New Sitka bicycle co-op trains mechanics in preparation for opening

Six Sitka cyclists recently went through a 40-hour intensive training in bike mechanics in preparation for the opening of the new Sitka bicycle co-op later this fall. The training took place in studio at the Yaw Art Center building on the Sitka Fine Arts Camp campus.

The cyclists — Jake Falvey, Alex Bayne, Alyssa Russell, Joel Hanson, Austin Fitka and Kobi Weiland — were trained this past week by Scott Menzies and Charlie Lowell of the nonprofit Susitna Bicycle Institute from Anchorage. In addition, they also worked on helping set up the new co-op space in a room leased at the Hames Athletic and Wellness Center.

The new bike co-op hasn’t set an official opening date and hours yet, but there probably will be some of the mechanics working in the shop in September as they try to improve their skills. The grand opening probably won’t happen until November, Sitka Cycling Club president Doug Osborne said. The bike co-op also has yet to decide on its official name.

For more information about the Sitka bicycle co-op, contact Doug Osborne at 738-8734 or douglaso@searhc.org.

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